Mobile apparatus for pressing a stud

ABSTRACT

A mobile chain stud press comprising body having a concave opening configured to receive at least a portion of a link having a loose stud; a first head connected with the body adjacent a first end of the body; a second head connected with the body adjacent a second end of the body, wherein one of the heads is movably connected with the body and the other is statically connected with the body; and a drive mechanism connected with the movable head.

FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to apparatus, methods, and systems for pressing or resetting one or more studs on a chain. Specifically, one or more embodiments relate to a mobile apparatus for pressing or resetting one or more studs on a chain used with deep sea mooring systems.

BACKGROUND

Studs on chains used with deep sea mooring systems on vessels, platforms, or rigs often come loose and need to be reset. The resetting of these studs often require relocation of the platforms, vessels, or rigs having the mooring system dock side and use of large permanent resetting facilities. Accordingly, a need exists for apparatus, methods, and systems for mobile pressing or resetting of studs on deep sea mooring chains and or other anchoring chains without relocating the associated vessel, rig, or platform. Thereby, eliminating the need to relocate the platforms, vessels, or rigs to have chains studs reset or pressed by shore-based equipment.

The present embodiments meet these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an illustrative body, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 2 depicts a top isometric view of an illustrative mobile chain stud press having the body of FIG. 1 and a chain link operatively positioned between two ends of a second side of the body, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 3 depicts a front isometric view of the mobile chain stud press of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 4 depicts the mobile chain stud press of FIG. 2 connected to an illustrative suspension system, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative system for resetting a stud on a chain, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for resetting a stud, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for resetting a stud while at least a portion of the stud is under water in an operation area, according to one or more embodiments described.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present apparatus in detail, it is to be understood that the apparatus is not limited to the particular embodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

The present embodiments relate to apparatus, methods, and systems for pressing or resetting one or more studs on a chain. The apparatus or mobile chain stud press can have a body, and the body can have a concave opening configured to receive at least a portion of a link having a loose stud. A first head can be connected with the body adjacent a first end of the body. For example, the first head can be threaded into a portion of the first end or connected to a movable cylinder or piston at least partially disposed through the first end. A second head can be connected with the body adjacent a second end of the body. For example, the second head can be threaded into a portion of the second end or connected to a movable cylinder or piston at least partially disposed through the first end. On of the heads can be movable and the other head can be statically connected to the body. For example, one of the heads can be connected to a piston or cylinder and the cylinder can move the head from a first position to a second position and the other head can be at least partially threaded into the body.

A drive mechanism can be connected with the movable head. The drive mechanism can be a hydraulic ram, electrically operated ram, or other device capable of applying force to the movable head and moving the movable head from a first position to a second position. In one or more embodiments, the drive mechanism can be integrated with or include the piston the movable head is connected with or secured to or the drive mechanism can be independent therefrom and engage the piston the movable head is connected or secured to.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press can be integrated into or part of a system. The system can include a data acquisition device connected with or secured to the body. The data acquisition device can be a strain gauge, a stress gauge, a pressure gauge, an accelerometer, a camera, a video camera, other devices capable of measuring and/or acquiring data, or combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, a network can be in communication with the data acquisition device. For example, the network can communicate with the data acquisition device through wired telemetry, such as fiber optics, or wireless telemetry, such as radio frequency. The network can be in communication with a processor. For example, the processor can communicate with the network via wireless or wired telemetry.

The processor can have a data storage device or be in communication with a data storage device. The data storage device can have computer instructions for at least one of storing data acquired by the data acquisition device, monitoring data acquired by the data acquisition device, and generating a report on the data acquired by the data acquisition device.

The mobile chain stud press can be secured to or connected with a vessel, a platform, or rig by a suspension system, which is secured to or mounted on the vessel, a platform, or a by a suspension system.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press can be used with a method for remotely pressing a stud. The method can include providing the mobile press on a vessel, platform, or rig and placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of a chain within the concave opening between the first head and the second head. Moving the movable head from a first position to a second position and compressing the stud of the chain laterally. The method can also include acquiring data as the stud is compressed laterally. The data can include at least one of an image of at least one end of the stud, pressure used to compress the stud, and when the stud was compressed. The data can be transmitted to the processor over the network. The processor can at least one of store the data in the data storage, monitor the data acquired, store information on a manufacturer of each stud, and produce a report on the stud.

In addition, the method can include transmitting data from the data storage device to a plurality of remote devices in real-time, which can allow for remote monitoring of the mobile chain stud press. For example, the data can be transmitted to a plurality of client devices using a network. In one or more embodiments, the data can be transmitted to the plurality of client devices over the network simultaneously, for example by using a plurality of gateway protocols.

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an illustrative body 100 according to one or more embodiments. The body 100 can include a channel 110 formed between a first side 112 and a second side 114. The body 100 can resemble a curved I-beam. The body 100 can be molded or machined into an appropriate shape and thickness. For example, the body 100 can be machined out of a single block or blank of steel or similar material. In one or more embodiments, the body 100 can be formed by a casting or molding, such as a sand casting or mold casting, a malleable material, such as heated steel, into a suitable shape.

The first side 112 can have a first end 120, a second end 122, and a thickness 124. The second side 114 can have a first end 130, a second end 134, and a thickness 138. The first side 112 and the second side 114 can be on opposite sides of the channel 110. In addition, the thickness 124, 138 can be the same or similar or one can be larger than the other. For example, the thickness 138 can be larger than the thickness 124.

The body 100 can have a concave or other shape opening 136 for receiving a link of a chain. The opening 136 can be formed or located between the ends 130, 134 of the second side 114. The size of the opening 136 can depend on the size of the link to be located therebetween. A back portion 140 can be located or formed on the body 100 adjacent the opening 136 and can be contacted or engaged by at least a portion of a link of a chain when a stud of the link is properly aligned within the body 100, or a space can remain between the back portion 140 and the link when the stud is properly located within the opening 136. The back portion 140 can have a U-shape or other configuration.

FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative mobile chain stud press 200 having the body 100 and a chain link 210 operatively positioned between the two ends 130, 134 of the second side 114, according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 3 depicts a front isometric view of the mobile chain stud press 200 of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, two heads 220, 225 can be attached or secured to the body 100. For example, a first head 220 can be secured on or adjacent the first end 130, and a second head 225 can be secured on or adjacent the second end 134.

The heads can be threaded or otherwise attached to the body 100. For example, one of the heads 220, 225 can be welded, threaded, or clamped to the body 100, and the other head 220, 225 can be secured to a piston 240 movably attached to the body 100. Accordingly, at least one of the heads 220, 225 can be movable and the other can be fixed in position when attached to the body 100. For example, as depicted, the second head 225 can be secured to a piston 240 disposed through a portion of the second end 134, and the first head 220 can be removably secured to the first end 130 or proximate the first end 130. In one or more alternative embodiments, the piston 240 can be secured or engaged with the first head 220 and disposed through the first end 130, and the second head 225 can be removably secured to the second end 134.

Both of the heads 220, 225 can be connected with the body 100 such that they can be removed therefrom. In one or more embodiments, the heads 220, 225 can be anvils. The heads 220, 225 can have different sizes and shapes depending on the manufacture of the chain to be reset. For example, the heads 220, 225 can be triangular, beveled, tapered, square, or any other shape required to press a stud. A person skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure would be able to determine the proper shape of the heads 220, 225.

The piston 240 can be configured to move one of the heads 220, 225 towards the other head 220, 225. For example, the piston 240 can be engaged with or integrated with a drive means, which can extend the piston 240 from a retracted position to an extended position. The drive means can be at least one of hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically, or electrically operated. For example, the piston 240 can be part of or engaged by a hydraulic press or ram 230. Accordingly, the hydraulic ram 230 can be actuated to move the first head, which is the movable head in this none limiting embodiment, from the first position to the second position. For example, the hydraulic ram 230 can extend the piston from a first or retracted position to a second or extended position. When the piston 240 is in the first position, the second head 225 can be adjacent or proximate the second end 134, and when the piston 240 is in the second position, the second head 225 can be adjacent or contacting at least a portion of the link 210, such as a stud 215. As the second head 225 contacts at least a portion of the link 210, such as the stud 215, the second head 225 can compress or force at least the contacted portion of the link 210 against the first head 220.

The pressure or force exerted on the contacted portion of the link 210 can be pre-set by controlling the pressure delivered to or achieved by the hydraulic ram 230. For example, the hydraulic ram 230 can be operated to provide a pre-selected pressure. The pre-selected pressure can be determined or selected based on at least one of the material properties, size, and shape of the portion of the link 210 to be contacted. In one or more embodiments, the pressure can be sufficient to longitudinally deform the stud 215 and push the ends of the stud 215 longitudinally outward to form a pressure fit between the ends of the stud 215 and other portions of the link 210.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press 200 can have one or more cameras 250, 255 positioned thereon to record the deformation of the stud 215. For example, the cameras 250, 255 can be actuated when the piston 240 starts to extend and move the head 225 and record the stud 215 as the stud 215 is compressed and longitudinally elongated to contact or form a pressure fit with other portions of the link 210. Accordingly, the cameras 250, 255 can provide real time documentation of the stud 215 being pressed or reset with the link 210. In one or more embodiments, the cameras 250, 255 can transmit data to a processor or data storage device over a network.

FIG. 4 depicts the mobile chain stud press 200 connected to an illustrative suspension system 300, according to one or more embodiments. The suspension system 300 can be movably mounted or secured to a structure, such as a platform, a rig, or a vessel by a mount 305. The suspension system 300 can allow the mobile chain stud press 200 to be moved into an operation position when a stud needs to be reset and stored in a non-operation position when not in use.

The mount 305 can be can be a hydraulically operated mount, a rack an pinion mount, an A frame mount, an I frame mount, a T frame mount, or other device configured to secured to a structure and support the mobile chain stud press 200. The mount 305 can be configured to allow for the mobile chain stud press 200 to be moved either by an operator or mechanical device from a first position to a second position. For example, the mount 305 can have one or more swivels, extendable arms, movable portions, or the like allowing for the movement of the mobile chain stud press 200 to form at least a first position to a second position. The mount 305 can be connected with a central rod 310. The central rod 310 can have any shape and size sufficient to hold the weight of the mobile chain stud press 200. The central rod 310 can be configured to rotate about the mount 305. The central rod 310 can be connected with one or more connection rods 320.

The connection rods 320 can be of any size and shape sufficient to support the weight of the mobile chain stud press 200. In addition, any number of connection rods 320 can be used. For example, two, three, four, or more connection rods 320 can be used. Each connection rod 320 can be secured to the body 100 or another portion of the mobile chain stud press 200 by a pad eye or other connection member 330.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press 200 can have a cathodic protection device 390 to prevent corrosion of the mobile chain stud press 200. The cathodic protection device 390 prevents corrosion by converting all of the anodic sites on the metal surface to cathodic sites by supplying electrical current from an alternate source. Accordingly, the cathodic protection device 390 prevents corrosion as long as the current is arriving at the cathode faster than oxygen is arriving.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative system for resetting a stud on a chain according to one or more embodiments. The system 500 can include one or more mobile chain stud presses (two are shown 520, 530) secured to a platform or vessel 502. Each mobile chain stud press 520, 530 can be in communication with one or more hydraulic systems 525, 535. The system 500 can also include a network 540 in communication with a processor 550 and the mobile chain stud presses 520, 530. The processor 550 can have one or more data storage devices 560. The data storage devices 560 can have one or more computer instructions (four are shown 570, 580, 590, 596).

The platform or vessel 502 can be a working vessel or platform, such as one used for hydrocarbon production or recovery. The platform or vessel 502 can be secured in an operation area 505 by a mooring system or one or more chains (two are shown 510, 515). The mobile chain stud presses 520, 530 can be secured or attached to the platform 502 adjacent or proximate the chains 510, 515 respectively. At least a portion of the hydraulic systems 525, 535 can be connected or secured to the at least a portion of the platform 502 adjacent the mobile chain stud presses 520, 530. The hydraulic system 525 can be in fluid communication with the mobile chain stud press 520, and the hydraulic system 535 can be in fluid communication with the mobile chain stud press 530. Accordingly, the hydraulic systems 525, 535 can be used to drive the piston of the mobile chain stud presses 520, 530.

The hydraulic systems 525 can include a hydraulic pump 526. The hydraulic pump 526 can be in communication with a control system 527. The control system 527 can be a micro-processor or other control system known in the art. The control system 527 can be used to control the pressure created by the hydraulic ram 230 of the mobile chain stud press 520. The hydraulic pump 526 can be in fluid communication with the hydraulic ram 230 and a hydraulic fluid source 528. The hydraulic fluid source 528 can be a hydraulic tank or other fluid source.

The hydraulic system 535 can include a hydraulic pump 536. The hydraulic pump 536 can be in communication with a control system 537. The control system 537 can be a micro-processor or other control system known in the art. The control system 537 can be used to control the pressure created by the hydraulic ram 230 of the mobile chain stud press 530. The hydraulic pump 536 can be in fluid communication with the hydraulic ram 230 and a hydraulic fluid source 538. The hydraulic fluid source 538 can be a hydraulic tank or other fluid source. In one or more embodiments, the hydraulic pumps 536, 526 can be in fluid communication with a single hydraulic fluid source.

Each mobile chain stud press 520, 530 can have one or more data acquisition devices or monitoring devices 521, 531 respectively. The data acquisition devices 521, 531 can be or include stress gauges, strain gauges, accelerometers, video cameras, cameras, or a combination thereof. The data acquisition devices 521, 531 can have communication equipment 529, 539 respectively. The communication equipment 529, 539 can include receivers and transceivers allowing the data acquisition devices 521, 531 two way communication with the network 540. The communication equipment 529, 539 can include wired or wireless telemetry.

Accordingly, the data acquisition devices 521, 531 can send messages to and receive messages from the processor 550 via the network 540 and the communication equipment 529, 539. The data storage 560 can store the data sent to the processor 550 by the data acquisition devices 521, 531 via the network 540 and communication equipment 529, 539. The computer instructions 570, 575, 580, 590, 596 can be or include programming or software for instructing the processor 550 to store data acquired by the data acquisition equipment, monitor the data acquired by the data acquisition equipment, store information on the manufacturer of each stud 215 or chain 510, 515, store identification information on each stud 215 or chain 510, 515, and produce a report on each chain 510, 515 with studs 215 reset or pressed by either one of the mobile chain stud presses 520, 530.

In operation, the chains 510, 515 can be recovered from the water 501 of the operation area 505, and one or more persons can check the studs 215 of the links 210 as the chains 510, 515 are recovered. If any loose studs 215 are found in the links 210 of the chains 510, 515, a portion of the link 210 having a loose stud can be operatively aligned with the mobile chain stud press 520, 530 associated with the chain 510, 515 having the link 210 with the loose stud 215. After the a portion of the link 210, such as the loose stud 215, is properly located within the associated mobile chain stud press 520, 530, the control system 527, 537 associated with mobile chain stud press 520, 530 can be used to initiate the movement of the hydraulic ram 230 of the mobile chain stud press 520, 530 to be used to press the loose stud 215. For example, if a loose stud 215 is found in a link 210 of the chain 515, the stud 215 can be operatively positioned within or about the mobile chain stud press 530, and the control system 537 can be used to pre-select an appropriate pressure and start the hydraulic pump 536 to drive the hydraulic ram 230.

As the loose stud 215 is pressed or reset, the data acquisition devices or monitoring devices 521, 531 can acquire data associated with the mobile chain stud press 520, 530 respectively and relay the information to the processor 550 and/or data storage 560 via the network 540 and communication equipment 529, 539. The data acquisition devices 521, 531 can communicate with the processor 550 simultaneously with one another or at different times via the network 540 and communication equipment 529, 539. The data acquisition devices 521, 531 can provide real-time acquired data to the processor 550 via the network 540 and communication equipment 529, 539.

As such, the resetting or pressing of loose studs in chain or mooring line can be performed concurrent or near simultaneously with the recovery of the mooring line or chain associated with normal relocation procedures. Thereby, limiting disruption of normal operations. In addition, the mobile resetting or pressing of loose studs eliminates the need to weld chains, which reduces health and safety exposure for operating personnel.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press 520 can have a fail safe 523, and the mobile chain stud press 530 can have a fail safe 533. As such, before the control systems 527, 537 can actuate the hydraulic ram 230 of the mobile chain stud press 520, 530, the associate fail safe 523, 533 has to be released or actuated. The fail safes 523, 533 can be released or actuated by entering a code into the control systems 527, 537 by pushing one or more latches secured to at least a portion of the mobile chain stud presses 520, 530, or otherwise.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for resetting a stud, according to one or more embodiments. The method 600 can include retrieving a portion of a first chain while in an operation area, which is represented at box 610. The method 600 can further include placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of the first chain between a first head and a second head secured to a first mobile chain stud press, which is represented at box 620. The method 600 can also include moving one of the heads from a first position to a second position, which is represented at box 630. The method can also include compressing the chain stud of the first chain laterally, which is represented at box 640. As the chain is compressed laterally and/or as the head moves from a first position to a second position, the method can include acquiring data, which is represented at box 645. The data can include at least one of an image of at least one end of the chain stud, pressure used to compress or deform the chain stud, longitudinal deformation of the stud, and when, such as time and date, the chain stud was compressed.

The method 600, as represented at box 650, can include transmitting the acquired data to a processor over a network. The processor can have data storage and computer instructions for monitoring and storing pressures used on the stud, information on manufacturer of each stud, identification information on each stud, and producing a report on the stud.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for resetting a stud while at least a portion of the chain is under water in an operation area, according to one or more embodiments. The method 700 can include placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of a chain between a first head and a second head connected with a first mobile chain stud press while the link having the loose stud is at least partially underwater, which is represented at box 720. For example, the first mobile chain stud press can be mount to the vessel such that it can be extended into the water and remotely operated to press studs when the are underwater.

The method 700 can also include moving one of the heads from a first position to a second position, which is represented at box 730. The method can also include compressing the chain stud of the chain laterally, which is represented at box 740. As the chain is compressed laterally and/or as the head moves from a first position to a second position, the method can include acquiring data, which is represented at box 745. The data can include at least one of an image of at least one end of the chain stud, pressure used to compress or deform the chain stud, longitudinal deformation of the stud, and when, such as time and date, the chain stud was compressed.

The method 700, as represented at box 750, can include transmitting the acquired data to a processor over a network. The processor can have data storage and computer instructions for monitoring and storing pressures used on the stud, information on manufacturer of each stud, identification information on each stud, and producing a report on the stud.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than as specifically described herein. 

1. A mobile chain stud press comprising: a. a body having a concave opening configured to receive at least a portion of a link having a loose stud; b. a first head connected with the body adjacent a first end of the body; c. a second head connected with the body adjacent a second end of the body, wherein one of the heads is movably connected with the body and the other is statically connected with the body; and d. a drive mechanism connected with the movable head.
 2. The mobile chain stud press of claim 1, wherein the body comprises: a. an inner side; b. an outer side, wherein the outer side is thinner than the inner side; and c. a grooved portion formed between the inner side and the outer side, wherein the grooved portion is thinner than the sides.
 3. The mobile chain stud press of claim 2, further comprising a camera mounted to at least one of the inner side or the outer side.
 4. The mobile chain stud press of claim 1, further comprising at least one data acquisition device mounted on at least a portion of the body.
 5. The mobile chain stud press of claim 4, further comprising a network in communication with the data acquisition device and a processor.
 6. The mobile chain stud press of claim 5, further comprising a data storage device in communication with the processor, wherein the data storage device has computer instructions for at least one of storing data acquired by the data acquisition device, monitoring data acquired by the data acquisition device, and generating a report on the data acquired by the data acquisition device.
 7. The mobile chain stud press of claim 1, further comprising a cathodic protection device.
 8. The mobile chain stud press of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is at least partially disposed through the end of the body adjacent the movable head.
 9. The mobile chain stud press of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is engaged with a piston that is at least partially disposed through the end of the body adjacent the movable head.
 10. The mobile chain stud press of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a piston at least partially disposed at least partially disposed through the end of the body adjacent the head that is movable and a hydraulic ram.
 11. A mobile chain stud pressing system comprising: a. mobile chain stud press comprising: (i) a body having a concave opening configured to receive at least a portion of a link having a loose stud; (ii) a first head connected with the body adjacent a first end of the body; (iii) a second head connected with the body adjacent a second end of the body, wherein one of the heads is movably connected with the body and the other is statically connected with the body; and (iv) a drive mechanism connected with the movable head; b. a data acquisition device connected with the body; c. a network in communication with the data acquisition device; d. a processor in communication with the network; e. a data storage device in communication with the processor, wherein the data storage device has computer instructions for at least one of storing data acquired by the data acquisition device, monitoring data acquired by the data acquisition device, and generating a report on the data acquired by the data acquisition device; and f. a suspension system secured to at least one of a vessel, a platform, or a rig and connected to the mobile chain stud press.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the suspension system comprises: a. a mount secured on the vessel; b. a central rod connected with the mount; c. a plurality of connecting rods connected to the central rod; and d. a plurality of pad eyes integrated with the body of the first mobile chain stud press.
 13. The system of claim 11, further comprising an additional mobile chain stud press, wherein the additional mobile chain stud press is in communication with the network and the processor.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein each mobile chain stud press simultaneously communicates with the processor.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the data acquisition device comprises at least one camera.
 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism is at least partially disposed through the end of the body adjacent the head that is movable.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism is engaged with a piston that is at least partially disposed through the end of the body adjacent the head that is movable.
 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a piston at least partially disposed through the end of the body adjacent the head that is movable and a hydraulic ram.
 19. A method for remotely pressing a stud comprising: a. providing a mobile chain stud press on a vessel, wherein the mobile chain stud press comprises: (i) a body having a concave opening; (ii) a first head connected with the body adjacent a first end of the body; (iii) a second head connected with the body adjacent a second end of the body, wherein one of the heads is movably connected with the body and the other is statically connected with the body; and (iv) a drive mechanism connected with the movable head; b. placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of a chain within the concave opening between the first head and the second head; c. moving the first head from the first position to the second position; d. compressing the stud of the chain laterally; e. acquiring data as the stud is compressed laterally, wherein the data includes at least one of an image of at least one end of the stud, pressure used to compress the stud, and when the stud was compressed; and f. transmitting the acquired data to a processor over a network, wherein the processor comprises a data storage device, and wherein the data storage device has computer instructions for at least one of monitoring data acquired by the data acquisition device, storing data acquired by the data acquisition device, storing information on a manufacturer of the stud, storing identification information on the stud, and producing a report on the stud.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising transmitting data from the data storage device to a plurality of remote device in real-time allowing for remote monitoring of the mobile chain stud press. 